Hyderabad :

Andhra Pradesh’s signature mango variety Banginapalli is likely to get GI (geographical indication) status soon along with four other famous varieties of produce, Tella Chakkerakeli banana, Palasa cashew, Duggirala turmeric and Krishnapuram (KP) Onion.

Andhra Pradesh, which has over 22 GI-certified products so far, has sent these five unique horticulture products for GI registration through the National Skill Foundation of India (NSFI), Gurgaon, Haryana.

The government has instructed the horticulture commissioner to take up the GI registration process of these five unique horticulture products of AP, said Chiranjiv Choudhary, ex-officio secretary to the state government on Tuesday.

GI registration is valid for an initial period of 10 years, and can be renewed from time to time. Karnataka, with 32, tops the list of states which have secured the GI tag for their unique products, followed by Tamil Nadu (24), AP (22) and Kerala (20).

A geographical indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or reputation that are due to that origin.

Some well-known GI products include Darjeeling tea, Tirupati laddu, Muga silk from Assam, Goa’s Feni, Kashmir’s Pashmina wool, Mysore Agarbatti, Bangalore Blue Grapes, Alleppey Coir and Malabar Pepper.

GI registration gives to the registered proprietor and its authorised users the legal right to the exclusive use of the GI tag and also the right to obtain relief in case of its infringement.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / April 13th, 2016